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Does the acronym “MEES” or the expanded “Minimum Energy Efficient Standards” mean anything to you? If they’ve both drawn a blank, then you may have cause for concern. MEES If you’re in the dark about the above, you’re far from alone. Some recent surveys have indicated some pretty worrying statistics: around two-thirds of landlords are Read the full article…

Whether you are a committed, “professional” landlord with specific objectives for a buy to let business, or a so-called “accidental” landlord who happens to find themselves with a property to let, your activities are regulated by legislation – an increasingly extensive raft of legislation at that. Naturally, you want to stay on the right side Read the full article…

Knowing what attracts your tenants and understanding what they want from their rented accommodation, is an important part of being a landlord. The knowledge gives you vital market information, allowing you to optimise the rent you charge, the priority you attach to given aspects of the tenancy, and allows you to target particular tenant groups. Read the full article…

How to keep a tenant? It’s a question that has taxed many a landlord. Our own research has indicated that tenant trends are changing. It’s becoming increasingly unusual for tenants to stay in long-term rental situations and that’s something which might be a challenge for some landlords. Typically, a landlord wants stability and predictability of Read the full article…

You know that the home you own or your buy to let property has to be left empty and unoccupied for a month or so. The next step may be to arrange unoccupied property insurance. So what is this form of property insurance and what do you need to consider when buying cover? Why you Read the full article…

Are you looking to convert your present home into a dream residence? Perhaps you are looking to buy a cheap property, renovate it, and sell it for a profit. The eventual use of the property, after its renovation may be for you and your family’s use, you might want to let it, or you might Read the full article…

Your property may be unoccupied for periods of time. In terms of your insurance cover that might not be an issue – but it may become one. It’s worth reading on to be sure you’re clear as to the difference. When does a property become unoccupied? We know from experience that many landlords use the Read the full article…

Whether you joined the ranks of buy to let landlords with the specific aim of making a more or less full-time business of it, or whether you found yourself with a suitable property on your hands and became an “accidental” landlord, you are almost certain to have considered the importance of landlords insurance. Without this Read the full article…

There are changes on the way for the CMP (Client Money Protection) scheme. These will be beneficial to the industry at large and it’s important that landlords and letting agents understand them. The background Prior to 2007, disputes could arise when tenants were unable to obtain refunds of sums they’d paid to letting agents as Read the full article…

It is widely understood that living conditions have a considerable impact on individuals’ health. One of the most prevalent causes of unhealthy living conditions is mould and damp. The National Health Service (NHS), for example, is unequivocal in identifying mould as the cause of: respiratory infections and problems; allergies; asthma; and damage to individuals’ immune Read the full article…